• Why does occupancy even matter in terms of the amount of rent? You’re leasing the space. Maybe the argument is “wear and tear,” or if utilities are included? Even so, $600/mo is a ridiculous amount even for an additional permanent adult tenant.

    Something tells me that there might be more to this story. It sounds like the landlord wants these tenants out of the residence, and doesn’t want to (or can’t) go through an eviction proceeding. This nonsense amounts to “constructive eviction.” Why does the landlord want these tenants out?

      • If you want to discourage subletting, you put a clause in the lease that forbids subletting. Sure, an additional adult would generate some additional wear and tear, but certainly not $600/mo worth. Besides which, the wear and tear cost would come in the form of post-tenancy cleaning, carpet, paint - and none of those have a real difference in cost whether you have two or three adult tenants.